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Topic: clamps (Read 14084 times)

IMO, no taper should ever be without a clamp. I get just as much use out of my clamp as I do out of my stand, maybe more. Here are some commonly used clamps:

Signal Flex MH-10 - this is the one I use and I think it's great (aka Windtech Multi-Position C-Type Clamp)Rowi ENGRowi 76Rowi 103Bogen / Manfrotto SuperClampSabrasom SMCGuitar Center has some plastic clamps that'll work in a fix

or

Check your local musician's store - they often have cheapies and even some of the above on-hand.

Emailed a version of this off to a local taper recently and thought I'd add it here. My full clamp setup:

I use a variety of clamping gear depending on the situation. All in all, I use my clamping gear more often than my mic stand. Here's what I use (almost all available at B&H Photo - www.bhphotovideo.com - best source I've found, though not always super cheap for little stuff like thread adapters):

Windtech Multi-Position "C" ClampMfr # MPC10 | B&H # WIMPC10I use this one for clamping to other tapers' stands. Compact, lightweight, flexible with 2 different orientations for the mic thread stud. I couldn't get by without one. I have several, and always carry them with me.

Bogen SuperClampMfr # 2900 | B&H # BO2900This is the clamp I use for latching on to railings, posts, tables, chairs, shelves, pipes, ceiling beams, light fixtures...damn near anything other than a mic stand. Bigger and heavier than the MPC above, uber-robust, wide jaws. Comes with standard 1/4"-20 male threaded stud (see below). For short rises or adjusting orientation (the stud mounts in only one orientation, unlike the MPC above), I use either the Heavy Duty Flex Arm or Mini-Extension arm (see below).

Bogen Extension Arm for Mini Clamp (works with SuperClamp, too)Mfr # 203 | B&H # BO203Great for extending short distances from the SuperClamp, and for adjusting orientation. I went without one for a looooong time, using only a (non-Bogen) gooseneck extension. Now, I have both. I think one or the other will suffice for most purposes.

Bogen Heavy-Duty Flex ArmMfr# 237HD | B&H# BO237HDBasically just a robust gooseneck extension (like the kind available at a local musicians' store - which I originally used - but beefier). Includes the appropriate bottom end needed to slot it into the SuperClamp. The mic end of the extension has a 1/4"-20 male thread, just like the SuperClamp's standard stud above, so it, too, requires adapters in order to attach a standard 5/8"-27 mic thread. I use this mainly with my Schoeps actives, not sure if it's beefy enough to run full-size mics & shockmounts.

A.P.I.C. Custom 3-Section Extension Pole (28"-78", 5/8"-27 male/female threads on appropriate ends)The piece de resistance. I use this in conjunction with the SuperClamp all the time. I use it regularly at at least half a dozen or so local venues to run my mics up/down/out/beside my clamping space in order to achieve a more optimal mic location. Custom, though, so it's not cheap - ran me around $75 if I recall (had it for years). Gets more use than my Bogen 3373 mic stand. Bogen makes a couple extensions like this, but none as long, and I've found them difficult to track down online. A.P.I.C's phone #: 201-261-2160. They also make mic stands, but I prefer the Bogen mic stands. If you order a custom extension from these guys, they'll want specs on number of sections, closed length, open length, and make sure you tell 'em you want 5/8"-27 adapters on each end - female on the bottom, male on the top. I'm ordering a new 4-section extension soon, so I still get the ~80" of reach but can close it more compactly to fit on my motorcycle. And I already have 3 people in line for my old one when I sell!

Alternative extension pole:

Bogen / Manfrotto 3-Section Extension Pole (35" - ~92")Mfr# 099B | B&H# BO099B (thanks to macdaddy for the heads up that the previous referenced mode, 3019, was discontinued and replaced with this one)Looks like it has a 5/8"-27 female thread on the bottom, according to the specs on B&H. Has a combination 5/8" stud and 3/8"-16 male thread tip on the top. Much less expensive than the custom APIC extension (by about half!). Wish I could fit a 3' pole on my motorcycle more easily, I'd save myself a few bucks.

Windtech Multi-Position "C" ClampMfr # MPC10 | B&H # WIMPC10I use this one for clamping to other tapers' stands. Compact, lightweight, flexible with 2 different orientations for the mic thread stud. I couldn't get by without one. I have several, and always carry them with me.

When you lose or break the bumper piece that is on the end of the threaded part of this clamp, buy some of those screw-on plastic valve stem covers. I like using them better than the original piece that comes with the clamp. (Bean originally turned me on to this)

Yep, this is one clamp to have if you are looking for bang for your buck (and weight considerations). I like the Manfrotto Superclamp alot....it is a piece of art but if you carry two (if you want all configuations you gotta have two) it is a back breaker.

I've been witing for this thread for a while. thanks for all the pointers everybody! now to go spend more money...

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Peluso CEMC6, ck4/ck21Oktava MC012Sony ECM260fAT 811

canare star quadsDIY mil spec silvers

DIY (W-ish) mod UA5>JB3Oade ACM PMD 660R4

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. ~Rev. William J. H. Boetcker (not Lincoln)

I used a pair of these for a while, but found they did not attach very securely to mic stands - even when I tightened as much as physically possible, the weight of a single LD mic caused the clamp to split. But, if it works for you, great! Especially since the thing is so versatile. Wish it had worked for me.

I used a pair of these for a while, but found they did not attach very securely to mic stands - even when I tightened as much as physically possible, the weight of a single LD mic caused the clamp to split. But, if it works for you, great! Especially since the thing is so versatile. Wish it had worked for me.

Oh - definitely not meant for LD mics - sorry about that. But these work great with my SD AKGs.

I use the Ultrapod I most all the time these days. Picked up from Campmor eons ago for $8. Takes up hardly any space in the bag. It is probably only good for active set ups as that is what I use exclusively (I have no bodies for the Neumanns and Schoeps).

Th velcro strap is amazingly handy, I wrap it around mic stand poles and fixtures from the ceiling. What I do to prevent it from squirreling around is: wrap small rubber bands around the leg that are not 'L shaped', when the legs are folded up the rubber bands give that friction that is necessary to hold the whole thing in place without it sliding down or around a pole. In the pic, there are what appears to be rubber feet, mine does not have those and I suspect that they may act like the rubber bands I am using.

Man, rubber bands are the most amazing things. I use them for EVERYTHING!

Just for grins I thought I'd show this one. It obviously has very limited possibilities but it was already in my tool box as part of a Central Tools brake rotor run-out measuring device. The threads at 1/4 X 20 and the flex section locks fairly solidly but I wouldn't want to hang much weight on it.

So I'm a little drunk tonight and would like to share what I did for my windtech clamp.The rubber/plastic piece on the end is junk.So I happen to have been drinking nips of belvedere vodka which comes with a mini hard rubbercomposite cork.I bored out the middle with some cutters and an exacto. Just enough to get the threads from the clamp in.Then held the cork with chanel locks and tightened the clamp into it.Whalla........ A snug fit that doesn't seem to be deteriorating at all.

Yep, this is one clamp to have if you are looking for bang for your buck (and weight considerations). I like the Manfrotto Superclamp alot....it is a piece of art but if you carry two (if you want all configuations you gotta have two) it is a back breaker.

would like to share what I did for my windtech clamp.The rubber/plastic piece on the end is junk.So I happen to have been drinking nips of belvedere vodka which comes with a mini hard rubbercomposite cork.I bored out the middle with some cutters and an exacto. Just enough to get the threads from the clamp in.Then held the cork with chanel locks and tightened the clamp into it.Whalla........ A snug fit that doesn't seem to be deteriorating at all.

i have no idea what you are talking about (and i am trying to understand )...

i also saw somewhere that you could use valve covers, but what kind, and where to get them - i have no idea (i need something though, 'cos i agree the rubber end for those windtech clamps sucks)...

Any old rubber Schrader valve cap will do. I've gotten mine free at my local auto parts store. They might cost $0.25/ea if you have to buy them.

you can get em free at any bike shop in the world as well...

Logged

Peluso CEMC6, ck4/ck21Oktava MC012Sony ECM260fAT 811

canare star quadsDIY mil spec silvers

DIY (W-ish) mod UA5>JB3Oade ACM PMD 660R4

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. ~Rev. William J. H. Boetcker (not Lincoln)

I used a pair of these for a while, but found they did not attach very securely to mic stands - even when I tightened as much as physically possible, the weight of a single LD mic caused the clamp to split. But, if it works for you, great! Especially since the thing is so versatile. Wish it had worked for me.

That's really suprising. I've had no problems holding up the LSD2 with mine.

Only problem I've had is the rubber pad coming off, but replacements can be had in sheets at home depot.

i bought that 042 extension arm, and it wont really work to join two superclamps together because of the angle on the hex bolt end (it doesnt always line up the two superclamps at the right angles; the spigot end obviously rotates 360 degrees). i will, however, use it to get a bit of extension (out, horizontally) when i clamp to a vertical i-beam, which is what i bought it for - thx for the part number...

Bogen / Manfrotto 3109 Extension Pole (35" - ~91")Mfr# 3109 | B&H# BO3109Looks like it has a 5/8"-27 female thread on the bottom, according to the specs on B&H. Has a combination 5/8" stud and 3/8"-16 male thread tip on the top. Much less expensive than the custom APIC extension (by about half!). Wish I could fit a 3' pole on my motorcycle more easily, I'd save myself a few bucks.

evidently, the 3019 is discontinued. i just bought the 099b, which is the replacement model for the 3109 (b+h link). the thing is sweet!! it is sturdy, TALL, and it works great with my superclamp: i use one of those 013 spigots - one end drops into the bottom female slot on the pole (which has its own tension knob), and the other end of the spigot drops into the quick-release hole of the superclamp, allowing the pole to be rotated the full 360 degrees. my only gripe with this extension pole is that it is not air-cushioned (the thing goes high up, and it sure does come down in a hurry ).

my FAVORITE piece of clamping gear is the quick-action superclamp (b+h link). it is identical to the regular superclamp, except for the new quick-action mechanism (which is really simple and cool). the thing LOCKS and RELEASES in a jiffy, yet it is just as sturdy and secure as the standard superclamp. the tighten knob is smaller, too, which is a bonus when using the thing in a tight spot, which i sometimes have to do...

so, my clamp/extension quiver looks like this...

manfrotto #635 quick release superclamp

manfrotto heavy-duty flex arm

manfrotto #099b extension pole

manfrotto #042 extension arm

manfrotto #013 spigot

1/4" > 3/8" male adapter

3/8" > 5/8" male adapter

manfrotto #061 and #061ra joining studs

manfrotto #035 standard superclamp

windtech msa1 clamp

i dont think that there is anything else i need (other than a good, solid, sturdy stand, which i do also have). the heavy-duty flex arm is the work horse, and does almost anything i need it to do. the only place it lacks is straight-on horizontal extension, which is the purpose of carrying the 042 arm. finally, the 099b pole is used for the bigger extension jobs...

if i had my druthers, i would use my superclamp, and above accessories, 100% of the time; a couple times a year (usually outdoors) i need to use a stand, but in most of the clubs/bars/venues where i record, a clamp is preferable. in fact, the biggest problem i encounter when recording is the footprint of the stand; getting the stand legs off of the floor (by eliminating the stand), and clamping to a table, drink rail, ceiling, i-beam, etc. is really the way to go. i used to think a superclamp was overkill, but i kind of need to use one, considering that i run a large shockmount and the c422; i feel the standard c-type clamp is not sturdy enough. in contrast, my gear is well below the weight limits on the superclamp, pole, and arms...

as far as the spigots go, i have had an old 3/8" by 1/4" one that i have used with my flexarm for years; this new one (#013) is a bit beefier, and is designed to fit in the #042 arm with which it came. i use a 1/4" > 3/8" male adapter so the spigot effectively has 2x 3/8" male ends; i need to do this because the flex arm tops off with the 3/8" female opening, and to use either of the shockmounts i own, i need to use a 3/8" male end, so i can use the 3/8" > 5/8" male adapter, since the mounts have the standard 5/8" female opening...

for joining the two superclamps together, i picked up the connector studs (#061 and #061RA). to be honest, i don't know if i would bother with this otherwise, but rather than get rid of the 035 clamp when i bought the new quick-action one, i bought the two connector bolts - i have yet to use them, but i am ready if the occasion arises you dont need these bolts at all - since i have an extra spigot, i use that, and i am not limited to the angles on the studs, since the spigots can rotate 360 degrees...

finally, i have a windtech msa1 clamp for the rare instance when i need to clamp onto someone else's stand. the extension bar on that thing (msa1) is sturdy enough for my gear, and i think the clamp mechanism itself is superior (read "more secure") to what is offered by a standard c-type clamp (which isnt sturdy/beefy enough for my needs)...

now if i could only find like an eighteen inch offset arm that will clamp to the pole and accept the superclamp spigot...

i bought that 042 extension arm, and it wont really work to join two superclamps together because of the angle on the hex bolt end (it doesnt always line up the two superclamps at the right angles; the spigot end obviously rotates 360 degrees). i will, however, use it to get a bit of extension (out, horizontally) when i clamp to a vertical i-beam, which is what i bought it for - thx for the part number...

Hmmmm...just checked, and I got the part # wrong. Sorry! It's Bogen 203 Extension Arm (for Mini Clamp, though it works in the SuperClamp). The 203 doesn't have a hex end, it's circular, allowing for variable angle instead of one of 6 angles due to the hex. Going back to edit my original post...

This is another great clamp that I didn't see listed in this thread, it's a bit on the bulky side but very secure and can clamp to just about anything. Link to a excellent excellent video demonstration of it.

BEST clamp EVER!! It is 100% my go to clamp. The width it can open alone kicks Superclamp ass, but the shape and config of the jaws make it a no brainer. This thing will clamp just about anywhere you need.

been using this thing for a while now. the extension piece is nice, and can come in handy for those uber-wide beams. the other piece that compliments this setup, big time, is the magic finger, which adds stability with no slippage. I attach my manfrotto 99b pole to it at all sorts of angles. you need to use a cotter pin with it to keep the magic finger from sliding, but that is easy enough, and the holes are already there.

been using this thing for a while now. the extension piece is nice, and can come in handy for those uber-wide beams. the other piece that compliments this setup, big time, is the magic finger, which adds stability with no slippage. I attach my manfrotto 99b pole to it at all sorts of angles. you need to use a cotter pin with it to keep the magic finger from sliding, but that is easy enough, and the holes are already there.